Monthly Archives: July 2018

The Most Adventurous Rainforest Experiences in the World

Here’s a look at the planet’s most majestic and mysterious rainforests which you can visit!

Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Daintree-rainforest

Situated in Queensland, Australia, Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world.  It covers an area of around 1,200 square kilometres and is home to the Daintree National Park. The Daintree River runs through the forest and extends from Mossman Gorge to the Bloomfield River. The forest has some of the oldest plants in the world such as Psilotopsida and Lycopsida. There are a host of guided tours you can be a part of here at the Daintree Rainforest.

Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia

Kinabalu-national-park

Situated in the western coast of Sabah in Borneo, Malaysia, the Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and is most famous for being home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. People visit here from different parts of the world to witness the beautiful landscape and terrains and it serves as one of the best places to hike, camp or trek in the country.

Amazon, South America

The largest rainforest on the face of the earth, the Amazon spreads over a span of 5, 500, 000 ㎢ and through several countries namely Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana. However a major part of it lies in Brazil. It is home to thousands of species of plants, animals, birds and insects. There are several guided tours available to the Amazon rainforest.  You need to be careful though as some of the world’s most venomous snakes and dangerous animals and other reptiles, such as poison dart frogs, jaguars, piranhas, anacondas etc., are found here.

Sundarbans, India

Home to the Bengal Tiger, situated in India and Bangladesh, a tour to the Sundarbans can be an amazing experience. The forest covers a total area of 10,000 ㎢ and flaunts a network of marine streams, mud shores and mangrove forests. Along with the tigers, the region is home to numerous other wildlife species, birds and reptiles.

Valdivian Temperate Forest, Chile and Argentina

Encompassing an area of 248,100 ㎢ in Chile and Argentina, the Valdivian Temperate rainforest have dense growth of bamboos, ferns and the evergreen angiosperm trees as well as the conifer trees. The world’s smallest deer, southern pudú, and South America’s smallest cat, the kodkod are some of the wild species that can be spotted here.

Hermanus – Top Attractions of this Beautiful Town in South Africa

whale-hermanus

Situated in Western Cape, Hermanus is a South African town teeming with natural marvels. Known to be a great place for spotting whales, it attracts tourists from different parts of the world. Have a look at some interesting things to do here, before you plan your travel itinerary to this beautiful town.

Whale Watching

Hermanus is generally considered one of the best places in the world to spot whales in their natural habitat. There are several different species of whales you can see here such as the Southern Right Whale, Humpback Whale, and Bryde’s Whale. Orca, the killer whale, can also be seen, though rarely. Just lounge on the beach and chances are you will be able to spot a large whale. There are several whale-watching cruises being run from the beaches here, offering you an opportunity to spot these massive creatures from up close.

Old Harbour Museum

Old-Harbour-Museum

Situated in the heart of Hermanus, the museum will acquaint you with all the best things about the art, culture and history of this wonderful little town. There are different sections of this museum, from open air displays to Fisherman’s Village and others, which you can visit.

Voelklip Beach

Popular for surfing, beachside picnics as well as lush green lawns, Voelklip Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the town, and people from all over the world visit here. The clearest blue waters will leave you mesmerized, offering you an opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkelling.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve

Walker-Bay-Nature-Reserve

Located in Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is a great place to spot several species of flora and fauna in their beautiful natural habitat. Spread across 1800 hectares, different fynbos species are found here. There are beautiful hiking trails here that you can explore with your friends or family. Also, the views of Walker Bay from the reserve will leave you awestruck.

Hoy’s Koppie

Hoy’s Koppie is an isolated hill rising around 75 metres above sea level and remains a beautiful picnic spot, popular especially among the tourists. Formed about 440 million years ago, Hoy’s Koppie is mostly composed of quartzitic sandstone. Enjoy incredible views of Hermanus, the Fernkloof Mountains and Walker Bay from the top of the hill.

Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Blessed with picturesque natural beauty, the Walker Bay Nature Reserve consists of five different coastal areas, and remains one of the most interesting places to visit and enjoy sightings of different species of flora and fauna.

Top 5 Traditional Festivals You Must Be Part of in Vietnam

vietnam

Vietnam is fast emerging as an interesting and popular travel destination in Asia, inviting an increasing number of nature lovers, pilgrims and history buffs every year. While bustling cities, beaches, rivers and Buddhist pagodas are all major lures for the tourists, some of the festivals, reflecting the rich history and culture of the country, are inviting too.

Hoi An Full Moon Festival

Hoi An Full Moon Festival is held on every 14th day of the lunar month in Hoi An’s ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Vietnam’s central coast. During the festival, the town bans the road traffic and turns into a huge performance venue with the streets illuminated with plenty of colourful lanterns. This festival aims to preserve traditions that were practised during the Nguyen Dynasty and it amazes visitors with many cultural events, old-fashioned games and performances for a week.

Lim Festival

Held in Lim village, few kilometres from Hanoi, Lim Festival takes place on 13th day of the first lunar month, every year. The festival amazes you with a number of exquisite dance performances by Quan Ho, a UNESCO recognised tribe; the traditional costumes and dragon boats are a treat to watch during the celebrations. Besides, visitors can enjoy playing games such as tug-of-war, cockfighting, wrestling, human chess, and Danh du (bamboo swings).

Perfume Pagoda Festival

The most popular Buddhist pilgrimage site in Hanoi, Perfume Pagoda is a group of sacred caves where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit every year to welcome a happy and prosperous year. The Perfume Pagoda Festival begins from the 6th day of the first month and lasts till the end of third month of the lunar calendar. It is a place that not just welcomes pilgrims but also nature lovers all throughout the year who come to take delight in its terrific landscape.

Thay Pagoda Festival

A joint festival of four villages, Thay Pagoda festival is celebrated in Thay Village located at the foot of Sai Son Mountain. It takes place on the 5th-7th days of the 3rd lunar month and is celebrated to worship a Buddhist monk who became a popular king. The festival begins with a religious performance supported by traditional music, and amazes with its famous water puppet show and numerous games played here.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Also called Moon Festival, Lantern Festival, Reunion Festival and Children’s Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the biggest holidays in Vietnam. It is held in the eighth lunar month and is famed for various activities such as lion dances, children carrying paper lanterns and food booths selling sticky rice, fruits, moon cakes and various other sweets. The festival draws families from all corners of the world.

Holidays to Mauritius – What to Do and See!

mauritius

Mauritius is undeniably one of the most aesthetically blessed places in the world and tourists visit here all round the year. Have a look at some of the truly interesting things you can do here before you plan your trip.

Le Morne Brabant

This peninsula is situated on the windward side of Mauritius, the southernmost tip of it. The huge basaltic mountain is hard to miss. People visit here from different parts of the world; there are several interesting activities that you can partake in here, right from rock climbing to hiking.  Be it exploring the different caves here or simply lounging around on the spectacular beach, there is much to experience here.

Port Louis

Port Louis, the capital, is the best place to live like a local. If you truly want to experience the essence of Mauritius, you need to get into the skin of it. Right from the nooks and crevices of the city, to the local food joints, art galleries and museums, parks and homes; learn the local language, visit the local markets and get to know everything better.

Black River Gorges National Park

If you love nature, this is going to be true bliss for you. This national park situated on the south-western part of Mauritius, is a brilliant place for hikes and camps. There are several different species of flora and fauna that you will witness here. It’s always better to hire tour guides, who know their way around the region, so that you can have a safe yet adventurous trip. This place is home to the Rusa deer, Mauritius Parakeet, Pink pigeon etc.

Ile Aux Cerfs

One of the must-visits during a visit to Mauritius, Ile aux Cerfs is abode to exotic vegetation, white beaches, golf clubs and resorts, and spas to help you unwind and relax in the lap of nature. You can make a day long trip to this island, indulge in adventure sports, sightseeing or simply relaxing on the beach with your cocktails.

Seven Coloured Earths

These naturally occurring rainbow mountains are beyond fascinating!  The Chamerel Plain of the Rivière Noire District is famous across the world for this spectacular phenomenon. Different coloured earth layered over the years due to the rain and other geographical factors has resulted in creating this wonder, attracting tourists from all over.

Your Basic Guide to Preparing for Oktoberfest 2018

Munich

One of the biggest festivals in the world, attended by as many as 6 million people, Oktoberfest is set to run from September 22nd until October 7th 2018. A celebration of Bavarian culture, the festival features a diverse variety of cuisines, fine Munich beers, traditional music and dance. The participants fly here from far and wide and get together for a great time at one of the many beer tents to enjoy the fine German hospitality.

If you are planning on attending the event this year, here is all the information that you will need:

Reaching the Oktoberfest

It is highly recommended that you don’t drive to the festival as getting a parking spot is a bit of a hassle. Most tourists opt to take the train to the Theresienwiese or Schwanthalerhohe stations served by U4 and U5 lines of the metropolitan underground and from there simply walk to the festival for 15-20 minutes.

The Oktoberfest Budget

Though it is free to enter the tents and fairgrounds, you will have to pay for your food and entertainment every day. The daily average budget for food and 5 pints of beer, however, is estimated to be around €100 per day. You can keep an eye open for ‘Family Tuesdays’ and Midday Oktoberfest deals (Monday-Friday) for discounted admissions to attractions in order to bring your budget down.

Significant Oktoberfest Activities

Oktoberfest is not only about drinking and dancing as there are umpteen games, shows, rides and other attractions open for visitors to explore. This time, there’s a new range of white knuckle rides that are claimed to bring your heart to your mouth. The attractions will stay open 10am -11.30pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to midnight on Friday, Saturday and October 2nd. On Sundays and other holidays, the timings will be from 10am-11.30pm.

Brewery Tents to Watch Out For

Augustiner tent serves beer from large wooden barrels rather than the steel ones used everywhere else on the festival grounds. Bräurosl (Pschorrbräu tent) is more than 100 years old tent, with ability to seat up to 8400 people. Football fans will love to visit Löwenbräu tent, the traditional meeting place for fans and players of 1860 Munich football club. Besides, watch out for Armbrustschützen tent (Paulaner), Winzerer Fähndl – Paulaner tent, Hippodrom (Spatenbräu) and Schützenfesthalle (Löwenbräu).

Food Tents to Watch Out For

If you are seeking Bavarian cuisine during your visit, you must have Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage) on your list. For other traditional fares, dishes such as  Hendl (chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstl (sausages) along with Brezn (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Kaasspatzn (cheese noodles) and Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) will be your best bet.

Upcoming Exciting Events of Sri Lanka

srilanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most exciting destinations to visit in the Indian Ocean. Though this pearl-shaped nation is renowned world-wide for its coastal charms, the country also boasts a long list of festivals and events for people to enjoy. Here are some of the exciting upcoming events where you can experience the luxury, glitz and cultural richness of the nation.

Kandy Esala Perahera 2018

Also known as the Festival of the Tooth, Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, celebrated annually at the palace of Kandy called Dalada Maligawa. The festival parade lasts for ten days and amazes with many traditional local dances such as Kandyan dances, fire dances, and various other cultural dances, a large number of caparisoned tuskers and interesting drum performances. This year, the festival is going to be held from 18th July to 28th July.

Designer Wedding Show Galle 2018

Taking place on 28th July at Amari Galle Resort in the city of Galle, the designer wedding show is an exclusive fashion bridal show calling fashion lovers from all corners of the world. Here you will get the chance to witness the stunning creations of the leading bridal designers from all over the country.

Havana Night with Chandani and C&C

If you are a party animal, don’t miss this special night in Sri Lanka! Scheduled to be held on 28th July at Pegasus Reef Hotel in Colombo from 8pm to 1am, it is a family-friendly party with an interesting Sri Lankan twist. Popular songstress Chandani and her band C&C are sure to enthral you.

Colombo Night Bazaar

Held in Colombo for two days during Hajji Festival Season, Colombo Night Bazaar is the largest night market in Sri Lanka. It is an event that serves as a platform to showcase businesses, artists, talents and local entrepreneurs, and is scheduled to be held on 18th and 19th August this year. Make your visit to Green Path after 5 in the evening and treat the food lover and shopaholic in you with over 100 food stalls and plenty of art and craft shops. Music and many other attractions add to the experience of the night.

The Facets Show (Facets Sri Lanka)

The country’s leading international gem and jewellery show, Facets is a big event being held in Colombo since 1991. It is scheduled to be held from 30th August to 2nd September this year; exhibitors, buyers and visitors can all be a part of the event. From fashionable costume jewellery to branded watches to precious gems, there is a lot you will find here. Visit the exhibition and check out the many interesting international stalls with merchandise from around the world.

Top Things to Do in Goa in the Monsoon Season

If Goa is on your wish list to India, you might’ve read that this pint-sized Indian state is best visited in the winter months (October-January), when the weather is at its best, almost all tourist hot spots are open for service, some great festivals are organised adding to Goa’s verve and the general atmosphere is that of revelry.

goa

While all this is amazing, the downside is exorbitant prices to pay for average service (a bummer for budget tourists) and huge crowds almost everywhere, which might feel a little overwhelming at time, especially if you are not from India. Given all this, it makes sense for you to plan your Goa holiday during monsoon, an off-season, when most tourists stay away, prices are as low as they get here and gushing rains paint a perfect picture.
Here are Top Things to do in Goa during Monsoons:

Visit the Dudhsagar Falls

Ask any expert on Goa and they will tell you that Goa is at its most stunning when it is raining and one of the most mesmerising sites to behold in the state is Dudhsagar Falls, one of tallest waterfalls in India, standing at 600 metres. Located 60 kilometres from the capital Panaji, the falls can be seen at their mightiest during rainfall, when the water plummets onto the rocks with a roaring sound and assumes the appearance of frothy milk which is also the Hindi translation of the fall’s name. You can also check out some of the other gushing waterfalls that are equally breathtaking at this time of the year. These include Tambdi Surla falls, Chorla falls, Sakla-Vajra Waterfalls, Netravali Waterfalls.

Attend the Lord Damodar Saptah in Vasco

Every year, for a week in August, Lord Damodar Saptah (the week of Lord Damodar) is celebrated with a great zeal in the city of Vasco Da Gama. The more than 100 years old festival sees tableaux following mythological themes being brought to the main temple from different parts of the town. A procession ends with drowning the coconut used during last year’s prayer rituals in the sea and there is splashing of water amongst the devotees and the parade of tableaux takes place at night. The whole town is lined up with vendor stalls selling everything from trinkets and toys to furniture and clothing and food and the atmosphere is charged with festive spirit.

Discover All Shades of Green at Wildlife Sanctuaries of Goa

The verdant, tropical forests of Goa serve as homes to a great diversity of flora and fauna and the many wildlife sanctuaries in the state are teeming with possibilities for discovery. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the most popular ones. You can find birds like Wagtails, Fairy Bluebird, Drongo, Three-Toed Kingfisher, Great India Hornbill and Golden Oriole, animals such as Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Barking Deer, Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, Civet and Wild Boar as well as a variety of deer and snake species here.

Take a Bicycle Tour of Old Goa

Get off the beaten path and find yourself stunned at witnessing the breathtaking beauty of old Goa. Penetrate the green interiors that seem to have been frozen in time. The stunning paddy fields stretch for miles and are beautified by rains, making for a beholding spectacle. Interact with locals, drink fenny, explore centuries old churches, marvel at the quaint charm of Portuguese and French villas and relish sumptuous Goan cuisine, all this on your bicycle, at your own sweet pace.

Top Five Ways to Admire Nature in Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin

Marked by verdant natural spaces, giant mountains, cascading waterfalls and a rugged coastline, Dunedin, the seventh largest city in New Zealand is for a tryst with nature more than anything else.
Here are top five ways of admiring the Mother Nature’s bounty in beautiful city:

Admire the Moeraki Boulders

The large and spherical boulders scattered across a stretch of sandy Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden lure a lot of tourists from far and wide. Easily accessible on a side trip from Dunedin, the Moeraki Boulders are magnificent to look at, especially around the sunrise and sunset, when they assume an orange glow. When you visit here, stop by the popular Fleurs restaurant, located in a nearby fishing village. The restaurant is popular for its fresh seafood and for offering a stunning view of the nearby area.

Ride the Taieri Gorge Railway

Now known as The Dunedin Railways, this scenic train journey takes you through Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged Otago Coast north of Dunedin. Negotiating a stunning diversity of landscapes along the mesmerising river gorge, the Dunedin Railways covers a total journey of sixty kilometres. One of the highlights of your journey will be crossing the Taeiri River Gorge’s hand dug tunnels.

Rejuvenate at the Tunnel Beach

Surrounded by majestic cliffs and headlands, the Tunnel Beach derives its name from the hand-carved rock tunnel that visitors are required to cross to access this stunning beach. Built in 1870’s, the tunnel hides the beach away, to be accessed only by the curious amongst tourists. The 7.5 kilometres long beach has seashells scattered all along its length. The waterfalls gushing onto the beach from huge cliffs makes for a dramatic background. You laze around here for hours without spotting a single soul or attempt rock climbing up the huge rocks. The beach is best visited during a low tide.

Visit the Larnach Castle

Ensconcing along the stunning Otago Peninsula, the Larnach Castle was New Zealand’s only castle until the opening of Riverstone Castle near Oamaru. Built in 1871 by entrepreneur and politician William Larnach for his wife Eliza, the castle is a brilliant specimen of ancient architecture. Now owned by one Barker family, the castle is a popular choice for local weddings and dance balls. A major highlight of the castle for locals and visitors are lush castle grounds that are open for family picnics all year around at a nominal price.

Take a Stroll in the Glenfalloch Garden

Secured by Otago Peninsula Trust, the Glenfalloch Garden provide for a serene and green escape in the Dunedin. Along with the picturesque harbour views, visitors can enjoy a stroll amongst native flower species, including rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, fuchsias as well as native ferns, exotic imports and indigenous New Zealand trees. The garden can be visited in all four seasons as every season brings its own unique colours and fragrances. The Glenfalloch Restaurant, surrounded by a lush woodland garden, can be visited for an amazing dining experience centred on fresh local produce.

Best Places to Visit in the USA on 4th of July Weekend

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If you are holidaying in the USA and still undecided where to spend the 4th of July weekend we have a short list ready for you. There are several interesting places you can visit and have the best time, exploring the culture and heritage of the country.

Lake Tahoe, Oakland, California

california

If you’re looking to take the road less taken, this is one of your best options. The Highway 1 drive is stunning and a drive around the time of the Independence Day means you will enjoy great weather as you connect with nature. Lake Tahoe is one of the best places for picnics and hikes, and you will have the best times here with your family and friends. Lake Tahoe fireworks are going to leave you mesmerized and you can relax camping out under the starry night!

Savannah, Georgia

Georgia

It can be a beautiful trip to this artistic and fun city. There is a lot of American history you can get your hands on, by visiting the local museums and art galleries. Forsyth Park in the Savannah History District is the perfect place for you if you’re into history. You should definitely visit the Mercer Williams House to understand how things evolved over the years to turn America into one of the most powerful nations in the world.

San Antonio, Texas

This vibrant place is famous for its mouth-watering barbeques and rich culture and history.

San-Antonio

The Freedom fests at the Market square as well as the traditional fireworks are some things you absolutely have to experience when you’re here. The river walk is another attraction here. Besides, there are several art galleries that you can check out when you’re here.

Nashville, Tennessee

All aboard the train to cowboy town! Also known as the Music City, this place is known for country music and historic monuments.

Nashville

You must check out places like Parthenon which is a replica of the Greek architectural wonder.  Also Ryman Auditorium is a great place for performing arts. The great Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one place you can visit to understand the deep rooted influence of music on the city.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las-Vegas

The place where fun literally never ends, what better that Vegas to spend an interesting holiday? The festivities are going to last the entire weekend with fireworks, parties, entertainment and what not! Indulge in relaxing spa therapies in the day and put on your dancing shoes by the night!